Crossing to the Cyclades

Up to our crossing to the Cyclades Islands, the weather had stayed calm.

The weather crossing from Paros to Cyclades was rough. (I probably threw up 6 times, but I was the only one. Probably tired, sick (with cold), raising anchor twice that morning, addressing a plugged raw water line, ate greasy ham and cheese coissant, stressed, and tried to do reading of instruments and maps, etc., in heavy seas.)

We then holed up a day in a beautiful bay on Kithnos for two nights. Strong winds all the time, but good protection. Warm spring on the beach for a bit of soak after a wet crossing. Grilled lamb chops on the back. Rested. Cleaned clothes. Art and Tara hiked to the top of an island connect to the main island by a sand spit. Goats on the hills. Really nice spot.

We then took off for Sifnos, where we are now. It started rather calm for about two hours, but then we hit rough seas and strong winds near the southern end of Serifos (not sure on island name, it is the first island south of Kithnos). We tried at one point to go into a bay on the bottom of that island to hole up until the winds diminished. It was supposed to have great protection, but it denied us entry. It had a gail roaring out of it that prevented the boat from making way. Water was swirling into the air as mist and going up probably 30 feet on both sides of the bay. It was the most amazing thing. Felt ancient, like some sea god was playing with us.

Needless to say, we aborted that entry and continued to Sifnos. By now we had on all of our wet gear and lifelines. Art was at the helm and was riding the waves. My mom was enjoying the rush of running down the waves.

When we hit Sifnos, we decided to stay put for three nights until the winds from the north die down. Art took of for Mykonos by ferries.

Saturday should be a pleasant day for travel to Paros, although we probably won't be able to sail.